Data Scientist pay in Washington, by the numbers
After a simplified 15% national tax estimate that is about US$9,300 a month, in a metro with a cost-of-living index of 100.
How Washington compares with United States and DC
On a United States league table of 21 metros, Washington comes 5th. One place higher is New York at US$135,980, one lower is Boston at US$132,040, and San Jose tops the list.
With Washington as the sole DC entry for data scientists, the useful benchmarks are national: 5th of 21, +10% vs the median.
Take-home, rent and buying power for Washington data scientists
With a COL index of 100, there is little difference between headline pay and price-adjusted pay (US$132,200).
Adjusting for prices does not move Washington in the ranking: it is 5th of 21 on both cash and buying power.
After a simplified 15% effective national income tax, the median nets about US$9,300 a month. A modeled 1-bedroom (US$1,650) takes 18% of that, leaving around US$5,810 after modeled living costs.
Metros with a cost level like Washington
A data scientist moving from Washington to New York (similar cost level, COL 100) would see the median rise 3% to US$135,980, with US$240 more left over monthly in our model.
Los Angeles (similar cost level, COL 100) pays US$129,740, 2% less than Washington; modeled monthly leftover is US$150 lower.
Chicago (similar cost level, COL 100) pays US$107,640, 19% less than Washington; modeled monthly leftover is US$1,580 lower.
Where Data Scientist ranks among Washington jobs
Of the 9 roles we track in Washington, Data Scientist is 4th by median; the highest is Lawyer (US$195,190).
Closest neighbours in the Washington list: Frontend Developer at US$134,350 (+2%) and Project Manager at US$127,030 (-4%).
Entry-level vs senior data scientist pay in Washington
Washington is relatively stronger at the entry end: its 10th-percentile pay (US$85,250) ranks 3rd of 21, while its 90th percentile (US$212,320) ranks 5th.
For the top 10% of earners, San Jose leads with US$282,840 at the 90th percentile, +33% against Washington.
Spread between low and high data scientist pay in Washington
The 90th percentile (US$212,320) is 2.5× the 10th (US$85,250), a wide band that usually reflects different seniority levels and employer types under one title.